KERRVILLE, Texas — A new TikTok trend, has even TikTok taking action. Type up "Galaxy Gas" in the social media platform's search engine, and instead of a plethora of videos, a substance abuse warning displays instead.
It's the reason why the Kerrville Police Department posted a warning on Facebook, hoping parents spark a conversation with their kids.
"Our kids are on social media, just like kids are everywhere, and they see those things," Sergeant Jonathan Lamb said. "Even though we haven't seen an incident here, that doesn't mean that it's not known among our young people or that it's happening here, and we just want to try and get out in front of this nationwide trend before it becomes a problem."
"Galaxy Gas," "Cosmic Gas," "Whip-it!" are the brand names of canned nitrous oxide (N20). Medically, it's known as laughing gas and administered with oxygen in a dentist's office, but it's often sold for the every day consumer who's baking or frothing coffee drinks.
"It's a whipped cream charge," Sgt. Lamb said. "So, if you work in a restaurant and you make a lot of desserts, or if you're a barista and you make a lot of foamy coffee drinks, that's what the nitrous is used for. It's to foam and whip that stuff."
Most vape shops KENS 5 called in the San Antonio area sell canned N20. While the packaging clearly indicates to not inhale the product, Sgt. Lamb explains it has been glorified as an inhalant by influencers, who have even created a challenge to encourage viewers.
"We've seen video game streamers, musicians and social media influencers talking about this stuff, using this stuff on camera, and it can seem fun for a young person who's impressionable," he said.
Sgt. Lamb believes even the look of the packaging, can seem enticing to a younger audience.
"You know, the packaging and the way those things are marketed I think are concerning to parents and rightly so," he said. "The bright, colorful packages, the graphics, the cartoon like font and some of the flavors, you know, are what seem intended to appeal to young people, to children, so that's certainly concerning. "
However directly inhaling nitrous oxide, Sgt. Lamb warns can have disastrous impacts.
"Unfortunately, sometimes the damage really doesn't become noticeable right away," he said. "But one of the things that we have seen in other parts of the country is it creates a feeling of dizziness and a loss of coordination, and abusers of this stuff have been injured in falls."
With more young impressionable minds on social media, the Kerrville Police Department hopes a moment of euphoria doesn't turn into serious life-long consequences.
"Have you heard of this stuff?" Sgt Lamb said. "Where did you hear about it? Do you know anyone who does it or have you done it? Have a conversation with your kids. Talk to your kids about what they're seeing on social media and what their friends are doing, because it might be the most important conversation you have.”
For more information about Nitrous Oxide poisoning, click HERE.